Chương 58: The Battle at Stamford Bridge
"He didn't let the golden boy in!"
"Terry made a key defense!"
"Great tackle!"
Louis didn't care about the mutual taunts between the local fans. His focus was on the game itself.
In this match, Louis faced John Terry and David Luiz. Terry, getting stronger with age, was still one of the best central defenders in the Premier League. Luiz, a new-generation Brazilian national center back, was strong, had great defensive ability, and could make long passes. Although he could be a bit rash, he was considered one of the best new-generation center backs.
The game had barely started when Louis felt the pressure from the experienced partnership of Terry and Luiz.
In the fifth minute, Arsenal organized an attack in the frontcourt. Cazorla made a through ball, and Louis moved forward. This was Arsenal's typical attacking method. Louis moved diagonally through the space between David Luiz and Terry, leaning sideways to catch the ball, adjust, and shoot. Just as Louis was about to receive the ball, David Luiz rushed in and physically confronted him. Louis staggered slightly, and Terry seized the opportunity to make a flying tackle. While the ball flew away, he also knocked Louis to the ground. The two defenders had completed a very impressive defensive play.
The commentators praised veteran Terry's crucial defense.
"Terry once again seized the best opportunity to attack! It may not be easy for Louis to break through the defense led by Terry!" said Sky Sports commentator Andy Gray.
The camera replayed the attack and defense repeatedly, showcasing Cazorla's precise passing, Louis's timing, the coordination between Chelsea's defenders, Terry's timing, and the precision of his tackle.
After this defense, Luiz excitedly reached out and high-fived Terry. They had successfully blocked Arsenal's attack, boosting Luiz's confidence. However, Terry remained composed, reminding Luiz, "Stay focused and don't lose concentration."
"Are you okay?" Giroud and Cazorla, on either side of Louis, helped him up.
"It's okay. The spikes scratched my calf. It hurts a little," Louis said, wincing.
Terry's spikes had grazed his calf, tearing his socks and leaving a bloody mark. Louis knew Terry had done it intentionally. With his vast experience, Terry used every opportunity to disrupt opponents.
Louis's forward attempts were consistently thwarted by Terry's accurate predictions. Louis recalled watching videos of his uncle's playing style. If it were Inzaghi, he would keep trying and running. Inzaghi's incredible stamina allowed him to keep moving until the opponent lost concentration.
But Louis didn't need to do that. His physical fitness couldn't support continuous sprints. He had other offensive weapons.
Louis said, "The opponent is very tight in defending the ball behind them. Next, try to pass the ball to me as much as possible."
"On the ground?" Cazorla and Giroud exchanged glances, doubting Louis's foot skills.
"Don't worry. We're just trying a different attacking rhythm. If we always use the same rhythm, it'll be too easy for the opponent to defend," Louis explained.
Cazorla and Giroud nodded. Slightly changing the offensive rhythm could be effective. Against the defending Champions League champion, a varied attack was necessary.
The next few minutes saw Chelsea dominate the attacking rhythm until the thirteenth minute. After enduring a fierce Chelsea attack, Arsenal finally had a chance to organize their own.
Torres fired a shot over the bar, and Arsenal regained possession, building an attack from the back. Chelsea's press was only symbolic, and their formation quickly retreated. Despite Di Matteo's desire to make Chelsea more technical, the team's defensive DNA, instilled by Mourinho, remained strong.
Cazorla received the ball in the attacking midfield position. Giroud had already dropped back to support, while Wilshere and Podolski pulled to the wings to create space. The full-backs were eager to join the attack.
Cazorla had many passing options but immediately looked for Louis, knowing he was Arsenal's sharpest spear. Despite tight marking from Chelsea's defenders, Cazorla knew passing to Louis was the most threatening move.
Louis was closely marked by defenders on both sides, with Chelsea's two central defenders, and defensive midfielders Ramirez and Mikel, focusing on him.
Seeing no clear opening, Cazorla was about to switch the ball to Wilshere on the right when he noticed Louis retreating from the penalty area, waving for the ball. Behind him was David Luiz.
Cazorla hesitated for half a second before passing to Louis. Louis moved out of the penalty area, with Luiz following closely. As Cazorla's pass came, Louis accelerated, trying to lose Luiz. However, Luiz reacted quickly and matched his speed, foiling Louis's plan to turn and face the goal.
Realizing this, Luiz planned to give Louis a physical confrontation, underestimating Louis's ball control and stopping abilities. But Louis was no longer the same player as a week ago.
When Luiz rushed up, Louis saw an opportunity. He lightly rubbed the ball with the instep of his foot, changing its direction slightly. Louis quickly turned from one side, leaving Luiz surprised and trying to recover. But Louis passed through Luiz's left side, nutmegging him in the process.
"Louis! Turned his back and nutmegged him!!!!"
In the commentary box, all the commentators exclaimed in amazement.
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